World · Europe · 11 hrs ago
Farewell gathering contributes to fewer trains around Utrecht
Fewer trains are running around Utrecht because ProRail does not have enough train traffic controllers on duty.
The shortage is partly linked to a farewell gathering for two ProRail colleagues, which left the rail operator unable to staff enough shifts.
Three routes have reduced services: Amersfoort–The Hague, Rotterdam–Utrecht and Bodegraven–Utrecht.
The reductions are expected to last until around the middle of the evening.
Autumn holidays and staff illness also made it harder to fill the schedule.
Controllers monitor train traffic around the clock and respond to emergencies, so trains cannot run without them.
Fewer trains are running around Utrecht because ProRail lacks enough train traffic controllers.
The reduction began at 14:30 on Friday, 16 October.
ProRail said a farewell gathering for two colleagues contributed to the staffing shortage.
Fewer trains are expected on three routes until about the middle of the evening.
Autumn holidays, staff illness and staff holidays also made it harder to fill the work schedule.
- Who
- ProRail and train passengers are affected. Two ProRail colleagues were holding a farewell gathering.
- What
- Fewer trains are running because there are not enough train traffic controllers.
- When
- From 14:30 on Friday, 16 October 2026, until about the middle of the evening.
- Where
- Around Utrecht, including the Amersfoort–The Hague, Rotterdam–Utrecht and Bodegraven–Utrecht routes.
- Why
- The shortage was partly linked to a farewell gathering for two colleagues. Staff holidays and illness also contributed.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Fewer trains began running around Utrecht because of a shortage of train traffic controllers.
Reduced service was expected on three routes around Utrecht.
- Start time
- 14:30 on 16 October 2026
- Expected duration
- Until about the middle of the evening
- Routes
- Amersfoort–The Hague; Rotterdam–Utrecht; Bodegraven–Utrecht
- Staffing factor
- Farewell gathering for two ProRail colleagues
- Other staffing factors
- Autumn holidays and staff illness
3 sources
What people are saying
everything to get the planning in order
incredibly unpleasant